Food as MedicineSM Tip

Barley is a whole grain rich in the soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol. And it may be effective in reducing glucose and insulin responses, which is good news for people with type 2 diabetes. Barley's fiber slows down how fast you absorb carbs.

Culinary Taste Tip

Dried mushrooms are concentrated in deep, dark flavor, and the shiitake mushroom is one of the few varieties that can be cooked for a long time without losing its earthy, rich, smoky taste.

Culinary Technique Tip

Barley comes in a quick-cooking form that you can find in most grocery stores. You can add it by the handful to soups to thicken them, or to simmering oatmeal for a richer, thicker texture.

To Banana55: The good Dr. may have a better answer for you than I, but, I think your hulled barley would be great in this recipe. Check your cooking directions, because you may have to add more broth (for absorbancy) and you may have to cook your soup for a little longer than you would with the instant barley.

Please let us know how it turns out . . . I might just get a supply of hulled barley myself and try it out.
:-)

From: belleqdy

Hi Dr. John,
Is it not the canned beef broth is high in sodium and therefore bad for the heart too?

From: 12Yvette

Belleqdy, Kitchen Basics is a brand of broths and stocks that are low sodium and have the American Heart Association "seal of approval". It's what I use if I don't have time to make my own.